Arts Council News: A fun, high-energy arts weekend

Dec. 2, the Prairie Street Brewhouse was bustling with holiday shoppers as the doors opened from 4 to 10 p.m. for the first Rockford Handmade Market. Danielle Kelley, of Burlap, did a great job of putting together a fantastic, well-attended event; more than 1,000 buyers in six hours. More than 30 artisans and artists participated in this inaugural event.

Jarrod Hennis and Britney Lindgren of Pirate Ninja Printshop and RAWK Space had all the latest wearables perfectly displayed. Pillows, cloth bags and “onesies”—oh, my!—were also offered. Hennis said, “not only were sales great, but you can’t put a price tag on the exposure and meeting great people.” (pirateninjaprintshop.com)

Christine Eige, contemporary multi-media artist, had work made from repurposed record albums and aluminum cans. She is a graphic designer at Rock Valley College in addition to being an artist. Eige participated in the Rockford Area Arts Council ArtScene at JustGoods. Her work is created from littered cans. “If we don’t take responsibility for our actions, these flowers might be the only ones we have left,” she said. Her creative inspiration comes from a yearning for people to think about their actions and the consequences on our environment. (http://portfolio.artofchristineeige.net)

Mona Lindvall had beautiful jewelry made from found objects and organic materials: bracelets, rings and necklaces of exquisite craftsmanship. It was Lindvall’s first show. “The experience was great, she said. “I would definitely do it again.”(m.lindvall.etsy.com)

Dec. 3, there was a show in celebration of Saturated Threads’ fifth anniversary. Live printing from Fatherless and screen-printing demos were offered. Sounds provided by DJKP and Meaty Ogre with Royce at 10 p.m. Mendelssohn kicked off the holiday season with “An English Christmas.”

Dec. 4, Eventus brought together artists and retailers for the Downtown Holiday Festival, complete with Santa in City Hall. The same evening, Rockford Art Museum hosted art supporters for another successful Evergreen Ball.